Ghosted by Friends After a Divorce? Here’s How to Cope

When you divorce, you need all the support you can get. However, if you’re counting on your family and friends to be there for you, you may be disappointed.

People can be weird when it comes to divorce. They don’t always know how to react. They may assume you need space, so they may ignore you. They may disappear from your life while you’re struggling to come to terms with your divorce.

Sadly, loved ones can let you down. It’s best to learn how to take care of yourself. Here’s how.

Don’t Take it Personal

If your friends keep your distance from you, it’s a reflection on them and rarely has anything to do with you. How a person reacts to your divorce says more about them than you. Try not to take it personal, although that is easier said than done.

Get Support

If your friends and family aren’t there for you, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Join a support group and you can talk to others who are going through divorce. If you’re seeing a therapist, they can connect you with support groups and other resources that can help you get through your divorce.

Seek Therapy

Speaking of therapists, find one who specializes in divorces and trauma. Trauma-informed therapy may be a good idea if your marriage was full of conflict. Techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Somatic Experiencing can be helpful in processing your trauma. A psychologist or counselor can provide feedback and guidance as you navigate divorce.

Don’t Listen to the Negativity

When your friends do stick around, they may be negative and unsupportive. Don’t let their mean comments hurt you. Everyone will have an opinion about your divorce and how you could have made things work. Don’t let their reactions hurt you. Move forward with positive intent.

Read All About It

Close to half of all marriages end in divorce, so there is plenty to read about dealing with divorce and life after a failed marriage. Reading books and articles  that lift you up will be important. Look online for positive articles about divorce. Yes, it will be stressful, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take advantage of the free resources available to you as you navigate one of the most challenging times of your life.

Keep a Journal

Many people use writing to clear their head. Keeping a journal can help you channel your negative thoughts and emotions into something concrete. You don’t have to keep a journal after your divorce. Some people do it as a reminder as to what they felt, while others are more comfortable burning the journal. In any case, writing can be therapeutic. It clarifies your thoughts and brings about healing.

Seek Legal Help

Divorce is often a hard pill for friends to swallow. They may not know what to do or how to feel. This can cause them to disappear from your life.

Get the support you need from Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. We have resources to help you move on from a failed marriage. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call 954-764-4330.

Source:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemplating-divorce/202410/6-ways-to-handle-life-when-friends-ghost-you-during-divorce